THE recent decision by officers at Winchester City Council to refuse the increase in numbers at BoomTown music festival does seem odd.

The council says the application to alter the licence to increase numbers from 50,000 to 60,000 people should be refused partly because of fears of crime, public disorder and traffic.

The licensing officers say the increase cannot be described as minor.

Festival organisers and landowner have a right to scratch their heads over this. The council has allowed this event to gradually grow over the years and by and large it seems well run with few if any complaints from the police, at least not ones released to the public.

There are some vociferous opponents of the event but their numbers are relatively small because few people live near to the Cheesefoot Head and Matterley Estate.

It might be simpler for BoomTown to hire a coach and book a hotel so people who do not like the noise can have the weekend away.

An increase of 10,000 from a base of 50,000 represents growth of 20 per cent, hardly excessive for something that has been running for several years.

The council had its chance to limit the event, which has grown into one of the most popular events of its kind. That opportunity has gone and it is time to accept that BoomTown is here to stay and that it should be allowed to develop and grow.